Climate Change Killed My Cheese

I have had to remove all cheese from my cheese fridge and put it into the normal refrigerator until the weather cools down again in Autumn. With the cheese fridge hovering at a temperature of 25°C during our record breaking, anthropogenic, climate change induced, heat wave over the last few weeks, it is not working as it should. I hope the cheese recovers!

“On Monday, the highest average national temperature ever recorded was exceeded – the record now stands at 40.3º C (104.5º F). That’s the average temperature across an area the size of mainland USA! It may well have been broken again yesterday, but the BOM haven’t released the figures yet.”

That is just mind boggling. To show that this is some serious stuff, our Bureau of Meteorology just added new colours to the standard temperature map on the high end of the scale.

So what do media commentators have to say about our extreme temperatures?

Well, most media outlets are keeping people informed about bushfire dangers around the nation, which is great and welcome, but not mentioning much about the potential cause of climate change.

However most of these articles are inundated with comment threads of point and counterpoint which has become the norm in our online media outlets. This thread is from the Sydney Morning Herald;

[Quote]

We shouldn’t be surprised that all the climate change deniers are out in force today. It’s really simple guys. The planet is warming, no argument about that. Is it caused by human activity/ Maybe. But why would we as humans not take sensible steps like reducing CO2 etc so we don’t exacerbate the problem. Deniers should be ready to explain to their grand kids why we did nothing.– Alex

Just like all the climate change hysterics are out in force to eh Alex.Please post meaningfully or not at allas for laying down the guilt trip re grandkids that really is scraping the bottom of the barrel– Jill

Jill – almost all climate scientists agree that there is serious change in the earth’s climate. These changes are considered by the experts to lead to increasing weather extremes and catastrophes. The evidence is strong and growing stronger that it is a result of air pollution caused by humans. Those who don’t believe it are unable to produce evidence to the contrary but nonetheless do what they can to stop action being taken. But we are not allowed to blame them for this – do I have that right?– yeah-no

Seems meaningful enough to me…better than half truths funded by the fossil fuel lobby and their horde of willing dopes.– pugwash

It’s called summer people.– J Walker

Alex – seeing as you believe so strongly in global warming, what are you doing to address this terrible threat to humanity? As far as I can telly you are sitting in front of a computer that is churning out a nice amount of hot air and adding to the problem.– Terry

How come 8 out of the 10 hottest days on record are before 1960 then?Go to the bottom and read –http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/fires-in-nsw-21-uncontained/story-e6freuy9-1226549281082– Gavin

This type of dialogue is not uncommon in the press anywhere I suppose. However, the vast majority understand that the science is sound, and we have created climate change, much to the annoyance of our biggest polluting industries. It is a global phenomenon, not just restricted to Australia.

You only have to look at records broken in North America in their summer this last year, and record polar ice cap melt, and record melt in Greenland to name a few.

At least the Prime Minister gets it. Or does she? The Australian Government still subsidises the fossil fuel industry to the tune of $10 billion a year.

Check out a recent episode of Democracy Now! The interview with Anna Rose from the Australian Youth Climate Coalition is very good as well and highlights the extreme weather events around Australia over the last few years.

“Climate change denial is almost a national pastime in Australia. People such as Andrew Bolt and Ian Plimer have made a career out of it. The Australian – owned by Rupert Murdoch – takes such extreme anti-science positions that it sometimes makes the Sunday Telegraph look like the voice of reason.

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About Gavin Webber

Gavin Webber's daily goal is to live a more sustainable lifestyle, in an effort to reduce his family's environmental footprint so we can all make a difference for our children & future generations to come.

Comments

Sorry to be glum but when climate change wipes out the dairy industry your cheese will be even more dead. Hence, I’d love to to give some vegan varieties a go–nut or soy-based, perhaps? And report on your findings.

“Taking meaningful action on climate change would require a serious reassessment of the way life is lived there.”

The thing is, you Gavin, have proven that a serious reassessment does not involve deprivation in any way shape or form. You’ve been making changes for years now, and as far as I can tell from over here in the US, you and your family live a life of abundance. I think most people don’t understand that. In the minds of the public, this reassessment means they’ll have to sit in the dark and freeze, and in general go back to some sort of primitive 19th century lifestyle.

If people understood that “going green” has other benefits – in particular, saving tons of money, possibly allowing them to quit their jobs early and an overall improvement in quality of life – more of them would want to do the right thing without even having to hear about climate change. Generally speaking, if it’s good for the planet, it’s good for our health and our finances, too. Too few people understand that. But it does mean walking away from the status-seeking mentality that drives the endless acquisition of stuff. If only “keeping up with the Joneses” meant a neighborhood competition to see who can put the most solar panels on their roof!

Well said Kathy. I am trying so hard not to buy anything in the January sales. I have bought lots of dried foods ie pasta that is been hugely reduced. I have a very healthy stockpile going. I feel I need to get a jump on it all what with all the flooding we have had in the UK. And now they are saying we are going to have -15 oC next week , snow starts on Saturday.

el nino or climate change I don’t care what the name is we need to make is slow down or stop. So no plastic trinkets for me shipped from China.

Hi Kathy. What can I say, except thanks, and I do think you are right. We don’t see it as depriving ourselves at all, and believe that we have abundance all around us. Many people around me continue to dismiss my lifestyle as a joke, but I continue to live it regardless. I feel very happy.

I love your take on keeping up with the Joneses. I think that nearly every second house in our street has a solar PV system on their roofs now, some bigger than mine. All because I was daring enough in 2007 to take a chance to lower my own emissions. That and the price has dropped dramatically, so the barriers to entry are lower.

no offence to gavin, but how exactly have gavin’s life changes reduced climate change? bottom line is they haven’t and gavin pretty much admits to this… and even if everyone in the country does what gavin has done (grow a vege garden instead of ornamentals?) will that reduce climate change? umm no…the kinds of changes required to effect climate change are MASSIVE (removing cars/stop consumerism/huge redutions in natural resources consumption/stop having so many children), and still we are not sure if taking those changes will actually reduce climate change… so has gavin done any of these major things? he has solar panels but does he produce all of his own energy? does he still rely on the electricity grid? and does he still have a car? how many children does he have? i notice that gavin works in the technology field- how many techno gadgets does he own? does buying second hand for a month outweigh people’s “need” for an iphone/ipad/i-anything? etcwhat about the energy that they rely upon…all those gadgets and the need for new and better gadgets is destroying out environment…

i don’t want this to come across as anti- gavin because i’m really not… we are all guilty of these things and we can try and make ourselves feel a bit better by the small changes we are making, but we need to face it that our small life changes aren’t going to make a lick of difference to climate change and it’s worryingly misleading for people to say that growing veges/making cheese and soap etc is going to help reduce climate change- because it’s not

so i suppose the answer is NO people are not ready to give up their current lifestyles for the sake of the environment… not until they are forced…

Having woken up to -21C this morning, I am starting to understand why most Canadians just don’t get global warming. It is very different when you are in the thick of it. Your weather is scary hot, Gavin. I really like Kathy P’s comment. Some folks have been saying the same thing for years. Good luck with the cheese.Barb from Canada

That’s just the simplistic attitude of some people, Barb. One of our far-right politicians came out the other day arguing that tying the debate to single weather events is simplistic. Citing that amongst the current heat that most of Australia is experiencing there are pockets of unprecedented coolness. The interesting thing here is that his political camp is notorious for such simplicity–whenever it is cold or it rains Andrew Bolt, an well-known Australian right-wing commentator, plays this up for weeks on end.

I think it’s an argument we shouldn’t make. We have a whole kit of robust, indisputable arguments at our disposal.

Well I gave up my car to walk to work 5 yrs ago. Today, I will bundle up and walk in -20C weather. I still get offers from my co-workers for rides- they just don’t get it. Most politicians are in the pockets of big business, so they don’t care to change the status quo. I can only do what I can do, and I try to influence (in a nice way, of course) those around me.

Urgh. We top the coal burnig list? Not a first place I’m proud to win. Hope your cheese survives Gavin. Of it doesn’t turn out exactly as it should, given some of your other experiments and different outcomes, I’m sure you will have an utterly delicious product none the less.

I am with you all the way. My biggest thing is to avoid going to shops at all costs. If you do not go you cannot spend. Hubby and I are giving serious thought to a few months of not spending throughout this year.

Me too! Even when you think you can do no more, there’s always something! We also don’t see ourselves as being deprived on the contrary we are much more content and the freedom that living this lifestyle enables is awesome.

Climate change killed my tomatoes last summer. I mulched like crazy and drip-irrigated in the (relative) cool of the evening, but the harvest was still lousy. Moral of the story: watch your tomatoes this season Gav!

Oh Gav – good luck with the cheese! And thanks Barb for walking to work in -20 degrees! I agree – every little bit helps.I had a rotten tomato year last year but was away for nearly a month! This year I was only away for a week – but it was last week!!! two or 3 over 40 degree days up here in Canberra and it hasn’t rained in God knows how long. But when I got home I harvested 1.5kg of tomatoes and 12 kg of potatoes. My darling darling friend got a couple of eggs every day or so when she came to make sure my chooky girls were Ik and had enough food and water.Got ripped off mightily a few years ago by dodgy brothers grey water but am up for getting a replacement now. Saving for solar.And as for the nay-sayers? I disagree with everything you say but acknowledge your right to say it – so far ….Greenie xx

Gavin, Hope your cheese is going to be alright. We make cheese ourselves and I know I would be really upset if I had my cheese in the cave compromised. I have read the other comments about the weather change, and I can tell you that Here in Michigan, U.S.A. the highest summer weather in history was the past 10 years. Michigan in the past ( when I was growing up in the late 50’s and 60’s) had maybe a week of 100’F. weather but nothing like the weeks and weeks of above 100′ we have now. Michigan is also surrounded by the Great Lakes and along with the high temp. it is so humid that you can hardly stand it to be outside. I hope that you will be having lower temps. soon.Susan from Michigan,U.S.A.

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About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

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Podcast Reviews

Always inspiring and entertaining!

August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

ms

July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do.
Thanks Gavin, love it!!

Well worth your time to tune in

October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast !
I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to.
Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

very good

June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

opened my eyes

May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

A wonderful show!

Inspiring

April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

Green Living, inspiring and practical

January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

Local food equals less waste

December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

Honestly australian

December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

Morning motivation

December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

Passionate Advocate

October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

Gavin speaks from the heart

October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

Green thoughts, so well iterated

October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

Easy listening inspiration on being green

September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

Thanks Gavin!

August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm

August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

Green Podcasts

July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

Practical ideas and inspiration

July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

Interesting & easy to listen to

April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

Great green listen

April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese